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I ordered those too. I am expecting the delivery today, but I won't start until Sunday. I was thinking of trying my hip first until the stitches come out. One less thing to worry about in the stomach area!! I added Biotin as well, thanks for the information. I also purchased Biotin shampoo to help prepare for the hair loss.

I figure I'm going to shed like crazy anyway, I haven't bothered with biotin. I lost so much hair after each kid that I had visible stubble. I started going silver/white at eighteen. I've been married for twenty-three years to the same man whose been my best friend for 31 years. I'll shave my head before I worry about hair loss. Now, just because I don't give a flying flip, that doesn't mean all of you are as comfortable with hair loss as I am. Best wishes, and I hope the biotin helps.

Clearly do what your doctors are telling you. But a severe lack of protein can not only force your body to use it's own protein (ie muscle) as fuel, it also impacts the potential "Hair loss" issues. You can find yourself some "protein water" or other "clear protein" to ensure you get both your water and proteins at the same time. Isopure Zero Carb RTD drinks are quite good at this. Not everyone likes the flavors, but... 20+ oz of "water" and like 20 grams of protein. It's worth looking into. This way you aren't "Worrying" about protein, you just happen to be getting it alongside your water. So it's a win win.

I got my gastric sleeve on 5/9/18. Things are going great-I’m down 60 lbs total from my pre-surgery and post surgery loss. I noticed that I have lost some arm hair (good) and now eyebrow hair too (bad). My head hair has been thinning for many years and I was really worried about that getting worse. Somehow, I haven’t lost that hair. Has this happened to anyone else? Did your eyebrows grow back? Do I need to add eyebrow tattoos to my list of post surgery cosmetic procedures?!?!!? Thanks! HW 255 SW 234 CW 195 GW 150

When you are dehydrated and on a crash diet basically your body is going to retain as much water as possible. There is no way at this point you won’t lose weight. I started with my surgery the exact weight you are almost a year ago and I now 11 months post op and have lost 100 pounds, my weight loss was consistent but a little slower because I was bad and didn’t follow the regulations for part of it! You are doing great! Just Take is easy on yourself, you will lose weight and the slower you lose weight the better for your skin and hair. Just follow the dietary guidelines, walk a little when you feel up to it. Keep a water bottle with you drink lots of protein shakes. You are doing great! Now that I am a year post op I am doing and feeling better than ever and feel like I wasted a lot of energy worrying about little stuff. The first six months after my surgery I felt like I made a mistake because I wasn’t taking care of myself. But now I wouldn’t change it for anything !

I had lap band to bypass, and had no complications or pain at all, other than when I pressed on my abdomen. I filled my post op pain meds, maybe took 4 of them, and the rest are sitting in my cupboard, I just didn't need them. I was really worried about hair loss because while my hair looks thick, if you get it wet, it deflates to pretty much nothing. My thyroid has always reeked havoc on my hair as well, with it continually getting thick, then then, then thick.... I am 4.5month post op now, and still have not had any hair loss, except the normal amount I have always had in the shower. I did take biotin, but haven't taken that in awhile & still no hair loss. I also have not experienced dumping syndrome, and I have eaten my fair share of sugar post op. The worst thing I get is feeling uncomfortable enough where I have to lie down for 30 minutes, after eating something I shouldn't. Perhaps I've just been lucky, but from the start I kept telling myself I wouldn't experience all those issues, and my body followed suit. The mind is a powerful thing, if you tell it something is going to happen, it will happen. AT least that has always worked for me.

Awesome. Thanks for sharing! I’m gonna go pick some up. Yes I’m also worried about hair loss I have tons of hair and I would like to try and avoid losing any as much as possible. Aww thank you! I’ll be rooting for you on your day as well. Excited to have someone to share a similar time line with! I’ll be checking up with you if that’s okay.

No worries are silly - hang around here a while and you’ll find some doozies, but it is SO good to tap into other people’s lived experiences. Malnutrition - follow your plan. Seldom happens unless something goes wrong - and then there are options. Vitamins for life - but if that is the price of also having collarbones for life, I’m in!! And - I have t lost any hair, but I know some do - a casualty of large weight loss. But it comes back and - do it right and the tummy doesn’t! You might be able to tell - I LOVE my bypass. Wish I had done it at 25, not waited til I was 55. Good luck, stay calm. Nerves is normal when you are about to change your life...

I was "interviewing" a friend of a friend via email about her experiences with RNY (she and her husband both had it) because I only know one person who's had it who is alive and well (and I hadn't yet discovered these forums). This lady was a very matter-of-fact 50-ish woman who basically said "why on earth are you worried about THAT?" to every question I asked about possible side effects. She and hubby had no side effects. She has very thick hair, and when I said I was worried about hair loss she asked why! I told her it was a common side effect, and she says nope, neither one lost their hair. She didn't even know it could happen. Her guess was it was because they were very adherent to the nutritional requirements. After reading endless accounts of winning and losing the hair loss games, my guess is that they won some genetic lottery.

And hot on the trail of my BBF Bariatric Bud Forever @ proud grammy, I'll offer my friendship also. I have only been on BP 5 months, but they have been wonderful ones. I have learned so much from Kathy and all the other veterans on here. Decided to say Hi,because we might have a few overlapping items. I am pre surg but post classes and requirements, this puts me in an uncomfortable Weight loss position, 1st program, nicest thing I can say, we no longer fit each others plans. My somewhat rueful joke- it was a case of sickness, I made them sick. it's a lot longer story, don't worry , what happened to me was pretty darn rate. You will not have it. At any rate I am now in a new program,better and better for,my in the long run. Surgery could be,May, surely early summer. I will have a RnY bypass, better for,me, I have pretty bad GERD, bypass fixes , sleeve does not. I am 72 years old, yes old enough to be everybody's mamma if not grandma, I stand 5ft8in tall, 323 lbs, srawberry blond verging on red hair, still naural, never greyed, at this point it probably never will.Widowed 6 years, 3 children,2 living, younger son still lives with me, he wants to be with me as much as I want him there. Like everyone you will meet on this website, I'm in it to win it. No fears whatsoever of surgery, more scary to continue to live as I have than step forward into a surgical future.All thus old cowgirl can get the blues I am usually pretty upbeat about life. Life is full of ironies but I intend to,love mine and live mine to the best or,my abilities. Join me on this journey for the best is yet to be😛 "Leading others to happiness is the greatest Triumph"

I love Wednesdays so today I tiptoed up to the scale a bit nervous I still have been lacking sleep though the last two nights have bee good, and I have been doing a lot of yard work and I am very sore and a bit puffy so I was worried about possibly gaining or stalling out. I mean I know stalls happen and that the loss slows but I don't think I am ready for that you know what I mean. Any who I jump on the scale hope for the best and bam 1.7 pounds down ladies and gentlemen I will take that, I will take that straight to the bank!!! so thankful now if my hair would just stop falling out.

Hi, completely new to this forum. I had my initial with the surgeon last week and now I'm going through the process to see all of the required doctors including the nutritionist which is scheduled for the end of the month. My insurance requires 4 months with the nutritionist which I kind of appreciate. Truthfully, there is so much info out there n my brain feels like it's going to explode. I'm not sure if I can do this, worried about the many possible complications, saggy skin, hair loss etc that I keep reading about. Figured I'm not the only one unsure about it, so I came here. Hopefully I'm not alone.

Okay so this is probably a dumb question but I don't care. My hair needs to be done. And by that I mean cut & foiled. I was wanting to wait and do it after surgery. But I worry about the hair loss. Should quick get it done before my surgery or is it better to wait and do it after?

Hello everyone, I am moving along the process of my gastric bypass fairly well, no surgery date yet, but 2 months left of the classes and all I's will be dotted. I'm actually writing this for my wife. My wife is going along the process with me, but she is about a month behind me. She has many issues, and we're trying to figure out the best surgery for her. In order to keep this post as short as possible, I will briefly summarize here: Early forties Beginning stages of abnormal menstration (irregular/delayed menses) Migraines, sometimes occular. She has tried Topamax, but it caused significant (permanent) hair loss (Has been off it a year). It helped, but made her nauseous when she took it and became somewhat forgetful. The Triptains sometimes help, but sometimes are worse. The only thing that helps more than half the time is excedrin migraine, which has an NSAID in it. She had them in 20's onwards, sometimes birth control helped, sometimes not. They seem to have gotten worse after the birth of our child. She no longer takes BC because it is not needed (I got a vasectomy). She also has GERD quite bad. Docs put her on protonix, but we are very concerned about the anticholinergic effects of PPIs (Alzheimers and Dementia) and so she grins and bears it using zantac (Still anticholinergic, but a lower amount) and tums. We have yet to try Pepcid AC, which is not anticholinergic. She has very bad knee and hip pain, and has restless leg syndrome She has a sweet tooth (Pastries being the worst). She is not a diabetic, but her fasting blood levels are over 100, so she is technically prediabetic. Her father has diabetes. She is a bit worried that after bypass, she will no longer be able to eat sweet foods at all. While it is certainly not a good idea (After all they got us here), for legitimately rare circumstances (Holidays and birthdays) can sugar-free items be consumed (ice cream/cake/pastries)? She has a slow metabolism, but didn't like how ill she felt on synthroid, so she stopped taking it. I think she has high testosterone and low estrogen, but I could be wrong, I can't remember the test results. She also has motion sickness pretty bad. I don't know if that is connected to the migraines, or if others that had it noticed it went away or got worse after WLS? According to the surgeon, the bypass is the best cure for GERD in the world, because it is impossible to get it with no stomach acid. But, NSAIDS are a no-no. The Sleeve (I've read) allows for NSAIDS, but sometimes makes GERD even worse. Plue the Sleeve doesn't have a negative reinforcement of high carbs like the bypass does. In the information seminar, they mentioned that WLS sometimes reduces or cures migraines, so maybe that is a moot issue? Between the two, I think the migraines are the more severe. She gets them several times a month, at least once to twice a week, and they are worse before/during/after menses. She has not tried botox injections (Botulism is not something we want to inject into our bodies), and she has not tried antidepressants or acupuncture. Antidepressants because of the weight gain, and the anticholinergic effects many of them have. (I take Luvox and Lamictal, but they are both very low). I'm sure that others here have had similar NSAID/GERD & Bypass/Sleeve decisions, and I'm curious which direction you're going (or did go), why, and if you like or regret your decision. Diabetes runs rampant in my family, and because of that, I want the bypass, and I think that is the best way for her as well (Get rid of the GERD and the Pre-Diabetes, and likely lose the most weight helping the sore knees/hips), but I want to cry (And I'm a guy) when I see her constantly suffering with the migraines. My wife and I thank you very much for any advice you have. God bless you all!

CONGRATULATIONS!!!! Very informative post, I type a lot too, lol, and relate to all of your issues (check my entries if interested). I'm actually at 6 months exactly today and 113 lb down, it's crazy!!!!! I had a pair of jeans I couldn't put on last month and this month it slides off of me with the button fastened. I ran out of holes in the belt that I purchased 3 month ago. It's amazing feeling to be losing on a daily basis. Had my 6 mo check up to, my doctor projected for me similar weight loss (of about 10-12 lb a month) for next 3 months, then he said it might slow down a bit. I had some stalls before, when they happened I closely reviewed what I ate and how much, and found the baddies. It's easier to find the small things now than the big things later, so when a stall happens, which can be typical, try to review all that you take in, and that you forget (like water, vitamins, enough protein) and adjust as soon as possible. I'm over the moon happy with the numbers on scale but the buck doesn't stop there. There are skin issues to deal with (I find water aerobics really helps here cause it puts even pressure all over your body, and if you have knee and back problems like I do, its really the safest way to do weights), hair loss was bad, until I started biotin and now its much better, I don't see the handfulls anymore, and I even think it started growing back (and its the only physical growth I'm experiencing and happy to see). I'm starting school next week, super excited about that, it will change my schedule a lot, less time to work out, but it will enrich my life differently. I'm a little worried that I may need more carbs to deal with intense learning and brain power needed for that. I guess I should wait with worry once it becomes a problem. Love your rules, its the basics for a good post surgical life. I'd only add, for those who don't bother logging their food, like I don't, to really know what you can eat and not to buy anything else to reduce the temptations. Watching what we can eat ad how much, and how fast (or rather slow) is really becoming my second nature. My shopping trips took over an hour before, as I made my way through all the isles, now I'm in and out within 15 min, unless checkout is slow, lol. I go to 4- 5 places in the store and out. Gives me more time to enjoy other things in life too. Good luck to all and ty for reading. May the weight be the only thing we lose this year Happy new year all

Down 52lbs. I feel the best I have felt in many years. I have had no hair loss. I am just now getting over a 6 week stall. Lost 4lbs since just before Christmas and now. I was worried I had stopped losing. I was doing intensive exercise from beginning of October to end of November. Now I just waking about 5miles 4 times a week. Drinking lots of water. Hoping to lose another 30 lbs. I just feel so good overall. This surgery has been a blessing in my life.

some people lose a lot, some people don't lose any, most of us are somewhere in the middle. Unfortunately, there's not a lot you can do about, but fortunately, it's temporary and it grows back. I did some light "shedding" for about three months. No one would have noticed it but me. Even for those who lose a lot of hair, most say they're the only ones who notice. It's kind of uncommon for it to fall out in chunks (like with people on chemo). It happens, but again, that seems to be pretty unusual. I worried about hair loss and excess skin *incessantly* before surgery. In retrospect, I can't believe I wasted even one brain cell worrying about them. My life is SO MUCH BETTER now that I don't weigh over 300 lbs. I would take my loose skin any day over weighing 373 lbs again. ANY FREAKING DAY!!!

I've been worried about hair loss. For the last year or so I've been taking a massive amount of biotin every day, but I didn't think about preventative Rogaine. Thank you for sharing!

Hello! This is my first time posting to this site, so first off, hello! A little about me...I am 37 years old and a mother to one 3 year old and a 8 year old step son. I am a teacher, although I work at a virtual school so I am pretty sedentary during the day. Ten years ago I topped out at 269 pounds, with a height of 5 feet, 6 inches. I went to a bariatric weight loss seminar but never pursued it any further. A few months later I started jogging (I have been an athlete all of my life but the weight spiraled after I stopped playing college soccer). I wasn’t a fan of jogging when I was younger, but I fell in love with it. I dropped 80 pounds and kept it off for years. Throughout those years I began to have knee pain. To make a long story short, doctor after doctor told me that if I lost weight, my knee would feel better. Finally, after about 5 years of this and several doctors, a new doctor finally ordered an MRI. Sadly, my knee had been injured years prior and the damage at that point was too severe to be fixed. Cartilage had been torn and as a result of not getting fixed, it continued to pretty much shred. In June of 2016, I had a total knee replacement at 36 years old. Now I have gained 30 more pounds and I am weighing in at 235 pounds. With a BMI of 37.5 and severe arthritis and joint disease, I am starting the process for gastric sleeve. I have two main concerns. 1. My goal weight is 150 (I have been a heavy weight lifter for years, so I weigh more than what I appear to.) I worry that I will lose more weight than I want to, and start to look sickly. I am assuming that you can increase your calories to maintenance when your body is ready, but this is one conversation I want to have with the doctor. 2. I am worried about hair loss. I did a medically supervised weight loss program (phentermine) for a long time a couple of years ago (when it was becoming more difficult to run and my weight was creeping up), and I noticed an increase in shedding a few months after that. My hair is very fine, so it won’t take much for me to look bald. I am sure I have will a million other questions, but this is where I am today. I go in for a referral next Wednesday, so I am months out of actually doing anything. I just feel the more research and preparation, the better off I will be.

I have had a lot of hair loss. I am not balding, but I had a lot of hair to begin with. I have lost about 50% of my hair volume, and was very worried for a while. But while I started losing hair at 4.5 months, it stopped falling out rapidly by 6 months. Now it seems like just normal hair loss, and I am not freaked out.

I meant to post this last month....but during the holidays, time disappears. I’m posting this because before and just after surgery I was ravenous for information. I don’t come to this forum much anymore, as life has adjusted. But I’m hoping this will help anyone like me who wanted to know as much as possible, and from as many people as possible. Please remember....everyone’s journey is different. This is just some notes about mine. 6 month lessons Yup, it’s a long post. Settle in. Lol. So, I just had my 6 month appt. I know all of our experiences are so unique, but I wanted to share mine as a reference of what you may expect. A bit about me. I had gastric sleeve in Las Vegas with Dr Atkinson. In august of last year I had just begun this process and wouldn’t have surgery until April. My HW: was August 2016 at 345, SW: April 2017 was 343, CW: is 240.5, that’s a 103lb loss. Yay me! (Side note, my insurance didn’t require any pre surgery weight loss....and I had almost zero loss. The only rule was I couldn’t gain). My dr was amazing. If you’re near vegas, I completely recommend him. Surgery went perfectly, recovery was difficult (this crap is hard), but I had very minimal incision pain. There was no 2 week pre-op fast, the leak test was performed during surgery so I had liquid/ice chips right away (liquid was no good, but ice chips are perfect after surgery).....I had super glue stuff on my incisions so no pain and no dressing issues.....he’s one of the highest ranked and most experienced gastric surgeons in the country. I could go on....but I think you get it. His skill and his post surgery protocols are awesome. I had zero problems. I’ve looked many times on here for how many calories at 7 weeks....how many carbs at 3 months. I couldn’t find anything and now I know why. My surgeon and nutritionist really only care about protein until 6 months. Unless, of course, there is a specific problem or deficiency. It’s nice to now have some specific nutrient goals, but the focus is still on protein. And even at 6 months, I still struggle to get 90g daily. It’s super important to keep trying!! Get all the protein you can. Let’s talk hair. Yup, it’s falling out in chunks. Chunks. It’s more than a little heartbreaking. But, I knew it was coming. Doesn’t help, but it is expected. It started at 4 months. As of now, still going strong. I also know it will stop. But while you’re in the falling out phase....it’s stressful. Which just makes more fall out. So try to keep positive. And take your vitamins. I swore I’d never fall off of that, but I have periodically. It happens. Just get back on track. Biotin supplements and the hair treatment Nioxin has helped too. (Update...at 7 months this has slowed dramatically. Still losing a bit, but nothing like before. I see the light at the end of the tunnel [emoji4]) Skin. Saggy saggy skin. Another thing I knew was coming, but it’s been difficult. I didn’t start working out as early as I wish I had. Now I feel a bit like I’m fighting a losing battle. But....this is a problem with a fix. When I reach goal I will worry about the cosmetic stuff. But trust me when I say....get working out as soon as possible. Weights. Lift some weights. Sweets. Stay away for as long as you can. I went 4.5 months without. Then I had some chocolate and it was easy. Not like trying to eat meat. Meat you have to chew to death and if it’s dry, it’s still hard to get down. I can only eat (at most) 2 oz of meat at a time. But chocolate, that went down easy. I had an entire bar in one day. Now, before surgery I’d have 4 bars in a day. But 1 bar is still a lot. So I locked that down and now only allow myself 1 square a day. Now, you might find that that’s too much for you. Again, we’re all different. But if I deny myself entirely....I’ll go nuts and eat until I get sick. Keeping myself honest, and savoring only a small piece is something I can maintain. And maintaining is my ultimate goal. Emotions. Hear me.....get a therapist!! You are going to go through so many changes you’re head will spin without you even understanding that is what’s happening. Addiction transference is very very real. I really struggled with this and for a time, behaved completely out of character. You absolutely must deal with your issues. It’s the same as getting protein or taking small bites. In my opinion, it’s a must. Emotions part 2. I had a hard time with the expected things. Hair loss, fatigue, heartburn...check check and check. These are struggles I knew about. But there are others that blindsided me. Like how hard it is at 6 months to still be able to only eat 2-2.5 ounces at a time. Frustrating!!!!!!! You have a craving, you make a meal that fits the bill, you take that first wonderful bite....and 2 bites later you’re full. I struggled hard with this. I know....that’s the entire point of surgery. But the actual experience was so much more frustrating and unsatisfying than I imagined. For a brief time, I tried to force the issue. Eating more than I could hold. That hurt. And it scared me, as the very last thing I want to do is stretch my new tiny tummy (not all fears are rational). My advice...be patient with yourself. Let yourself be frustrated or even angry, but keep working on getting adjusted. I still have moments of “can’t I just eat a fricken chicken breast already?!?!?” Lol. But listen to your belly and take it slow. Weird side note, for me....I know I can’t eat another bite when I get hiccups. Happens each meal. I eat slow, plan out the portion. But if I get the hiccups....I stop even if there’s some left. This has helped cut WAY down on feeling sick after eating. Everyone has their own signal....mine is hiccups. Finally, once again this procedure is different for everyone. Don’t set too many rules on yourself. Example: I’m hungry roughly every 3 hours. My dr is big on only 3 meals a day. That doesn’t work for me. I still can’t eat enough at any one time to fill me for 4-5 hours. So, I adjusted. I eat a small (1.5-2oz) meal every 3 hours. Mostly really small portions of meat, cheese, sunflower seeds, etc. This works for me. Keep adjusting until you find what works for you. I’d like to end with what I think are the most helpful things I’ve learned (in no particular order). Good luck on your journey!! It’s hard, really hard, but the good WAY outweighs the bad [emoji4] See you at 1 year!! I’m hoping I’ll have good news to share. 1. Drink your fluids 2. Take your vitamins 3. Be patient 4. Expect to be emotionally unsatisfied (if food is emotional for you) 5. Workout 6. Log your food 7. Avoid sweets as long as possible, then adjust until you find the “sweet” spot of what you can handle. And if that’s zero...so be it. You be you. 8. Talk to someone about what’s happening to you. 9. Take something for heartburn. Not only is it uncomfortable, it mimics hunger and will make you miserable. 10. Stick to the no liquid 30 minutes after a meal. It’s a golden rule.

If you’re reading this post, you’ll probably agree that losing weight is one of the hardest things many people will ever do. After months or years of attempts to lose weight (and keep it off), you may be considering bariatric surgery. In 2011, the total number of bariatric surgeries performed in the U.S. was 158,000. By 2015, the number had increased to 196,000. Patients who undergo bariatric surgery and follow all treatment guidelines can expect to lose weight and improve the quality of their lives. More than 85% of patients lose and maintain 50% of their initial weight loss. This post is designed to focus on what I learned, sometimes the hard way. Some things you can’t find out in a doctor’s office, no matter how skille d a professional he or she is. What Your Doctor Can’t Tell You If you are considering bariatric surgery, you’ve probably done some research. You may have looked up “gastric bypass” on the internet, read some blogs, or perhaps you’ve gone so far as to discuss the possibilities with your doctor. You may have a decent grasp of the physical side of this surgery. But there are some things even the best surgeon can’t tell you. I’m talking about the emotional side of taking this life-changing step. The emotional roller coaster of trying and failing to lose weight does not disappear when you decide to use bariatric surgery to get control of your life. But, it does become easier when you know what to expect, and when you see that you are not alone. I speak with authority on the subject of bariatric surgery and the emotional struggle that goes with it — I’ve been there. Seven years ago, I had a gastric bypass. This process took me from being barely able to function to living a magnificent life as an authentic and productive person. But it wasn’t a walk in the park. As a person who has been through the surgery personally, and as a clinician (I am a licensed Marriage and Family Therapist) I bring deep experience to this subject. And I’m anxious to share what I learned. I want to make it clear up front that I am speaking as a clinician and someone who has been through weight loss surgery and the difficult recovery process — I am not a nutritionist or medical practitioner. The full tale of my own personal journey is recorded in my book Recovering My Life: A Personal Bariatric Story and in videos and Facebook posts I recorded during and after my surgery. I began emotional eating as a response to childhood trauma. And, though I had dieted over and over again since high school, I weighed over 200 pounds at the birth of my second child. At that point, my medical problems included sleep apnea, high cholesterol, high blood pressure, and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). By the time my third child was born, I was pre-diabetic, with gestational diabetes. Many days, I was too tired from sleep apnea to even get out of bed. I could barely take care of my kids, and I felt like the worst mom on the planet. Fighting My Way Through I had always thought only slackers had weight loss surgery. But when a friend had a gastric bypass, she convinced me that, for people with weight loss resistance, this was a good option. I consulted my doctor. He approved, and I began fighting my way back to health. And it was a battle. I made mistakes, but I learned from them, and I persevered. Today, I have maintained my weight loss, and I am healthy. I am a better mom to my kids, and I have a thriving group practice and run a nonprofit foundation I created to assist people in our community to heal the brokenness in their lives. And I met and married my second husband and have a great marriage. If you’re thinking about bariatric surgery, or if you’ve already had a procedure done, it’s important to move forward with all the information you need — including the physical and emotional ups and downs. My recovery was a difficult journey, but I would do it again a million times over. Knowing what I know now wouldn’t eliminate the challenges I had to overcome before and after surgery. But, it would make the whole thing less scary. That’s what I hope my story does for you — help you avoid the mistakes I made and feel more confident in your success. Understanding Weight Loss Struggles & Bariatric Surgery Causes of Morbid Obesity What is Bariatric Surgery? Getting Ready for Surgery Mental & Emotional Preparation Advocating for Yourself After Surgery is Approved Building Support Planning Pre-Surgery Weight Loss What You Will Need Immediately After Surgery In the Hospital The First Few Days at Home Ongoing Recovery Physical Issues Emotional Issues Other Issues Potential Issues After Weight-Loss Surgery Emotional Challenges Health Problems Relationships Understanding Weight Loss Struggles & Bariatric Surgery Why Do People End Up Morbidly Obese Well-meaning acquaintances, friends, and relatives may suggest that you’re “taking the easy way out” by pursuing bariatric surgery. They can make you feel guilty for even considering this as a last resort. Why can’t you just lose the weight on your own? Genetic predisposition. Some are genetically predisposed to gain weight, even when they exercise, even when they try to diet. Certain hormone imbalances and disorders can also make it hard to stay at a healthy weight. Emotional eating. The barrier that keeps most morbidly obese people from losing weight is that our eating is connected with our emotions. Early on, many of us learned to use food as a way to cope. Food for us is not just fuel; it’s the way we deal with life’s problems and blows. Regardless of the particular cause, some of us have been on one diet or another all our lives. We have lost the same 50, 70, or 100 pounds over and over. In fact, our attempts to lose weight have made us worse off. Along with the health effects of too much weight, we carry the shame of failure and frustration. Weight and Your Wellbeing The physical health problems associated with obesity are many and serious: high cholesterol, high blood pressure, acid reflux, gall bladder disease, congestive heart failure. Type two diabetes, hypoglycemia, asthma, sleep apnea and other sleep problems, fertility problems, arthritis, lack of energy. Knee and back pain, gout, migraines, psychosocial stress. Even scarier: liver disease, increased risk of cancer, risk of stroke, and earlier death. Associated emotional problems that stem from these conditions can also make it harder to overcome them. For example, you may be struggling with depression, anxiety, and guilt. Sometimes, the biggest problem we have to face is the low self-esteem that goes along with being the biggest person in the room. What Is Bariatric Surgery? Bariatric surgery is not a cosmetic procedure. We may hope to look better after losing weight, but the best reasons for undergoing this major surgery are to extend and improve our lives. The common term for bariatric surgery is “weight-loss surgery.” It means any surgical procedure on the stomach or intestines that aims at weight loss. Doctors have been performing these surgeries since the 1950s, with a good success rate. The most common procedures are lap band, with a success rate of 47%; gastric sleeve, with a success rate of 80%; and gastric bypass, which has an 85% success rate. Another procedure, duodenal switch, has a success rate of 95%, but is more complicated and less common in the U.S. These procedures support weight loss while requiring lifestyle changes. Drastic weight loss can motivate you to keep on the road to better health. Whichever procedure you choose, pre- and post-operative education is key to developing lasting, healthy habits. Getting Ready for Surgery Mentally and Emotionally Preparing Convincing others — and yourself — this is the best solution Your first job is to conquer your own hesitance about weight-loss surgery. Even asking about it takes courage. Then, when you’ve reached the point of seriously considering it, you need to be prepared for a long haul. You will need to get lots of people on board with your decision. First, your family — maybe not extended family, but certainly the people you live with day to day. Next, you need your doctor to approve your decision. No matter how much you hate to get weighed, you will need a referral from your primary physician. And, you need to convince your insurance carrier that bariatric surgery is necessary for your health and to prolong your life. Navigating Relief and Fear You will probably feel a profound sense of relief just to know there’s a solution to obesity- related health problems. But along with that relief comes worry. It’s major surgery. Things could go very wrong. You might even die. Will having surgery be worth it? What if you can’t get the weight off during those post-surgery months? What if you can’t keep it off and all this trouble and pain is for nothing? After all, you’ve tried and tried to lose weight and it hasn’t worked — or only worked for a short time. Then there’s having to consult with medical personnel and, even worse, insurance representatives, to advocate for yourself. You’ll have to talk about your weight, which means confronting the shame that goes with it. You may worry that people will think you’re weak — that you’re taking the easy way out. How do you overcome that prejudice? Especially since part of you still shares it. Overcoming Resistance And what about all those hoops you have to jump through? You have to have at least six months of records showing your weight on a regular basis and detailing your attempts to lose it. When you can’t bear the sight of your own body, much less the weight on the scale, how are you going to face that challenge? Your research, from articles to videos, shows people who’ve had bariatric surgery eating impossibly small portions. You hear about all the restrictions ahead: first, a liquid diet; then mashed food; then, even when you get back to “normal,” ongoing restrictions, such as not drinking with meals. How will you ever be able to eat normally again — how will you ever be able to eat out? These are mental challenges it won’t be easy to meet. But if you want to be well again, if you want a long, productive life, it is possible to work through them. Advocating for Yourself I was fortunate that my primary care physician was willing to support my bariatric surgery decision from the beginning. But you may have to work to convince your medical advisor that this route is good for you. Advocating for yourself isn’t easy, especially if, like most of us who suffer from morbid obesity, you don’t like calling attention to yourself and your weight. To succeed, you must learn how to speak up for yourself. Here are some suggestions. Decide what you want. Believe in yourself! Know the facts. Educate yourself about bariatric surgery and potential issues. Plan. You need a strategy for recovery and ongoing lifestyle changes. Gather support. It’s helpful to have family, friends, and people who have similar issues on your side. Target your efforts. Find the best medical practitioner. Find the right person at your insurance company to plead your case to. Express yourself clearly. Tell doctors and insurance agents that you are interested in surgery and why you feel you need it. Stick to the point, and don’t give up if they say “no.” It may help to role play scenarios with a friend or family member who supports your decision. Assert yourself, but don’t lose your temper. Respect the rights of others, but ask for what you need, and then listen. Finally, don’t give up. Be firm and persistent. Follow through on what you promise. (Those six months of weight-loss records, for example.) After Surgery Is Approved You’ve made the decision to have bariatric surgery. You’re both excited and scared about taking this serious step toward improving your health and your life, but you’re going to do it. Now you need to build your support system. Nobody goes through such a major life change, such a serious physical challenge, without help. Find Your Team Choosing the right people to support you on your journey is one of the most important decisions you have to make. You will need to depend on family, friends, acquaintances, and even strangers who have gone through this experience before you. The most important quality to look for in your team is respect and support for your decision. You will need help with ordinary tasks and responsibilities while you are undergoing and recovering from surgery. A few needs: Someone to care for your children and pets while you’re in the hospital and perhaps during recovery at home Help cooking meals and cleaning the house Someone to accompany you to the hospital and be your advocate when you can’t do that yourself Help dealing with the inevitable emotions and stresses of major surgery and a major lifestyle change First, you have to overcome your reluctance to ask for help. Then, you have to reach out. Share your needs with family and friends who are sympathetic to your goals. If they’re not on board, you don’t have time for them right now. If it feels right to you, you can use social media to reach out. Contact your church, work friends, fellow hobbyists, and people you’ve come to know in other ways. Trust that there will be someone who can help. Be Informed and Follow Your Doctor’s Advice Use the resources available through your medical advisors. Seek out a sympathetic nurse. A therapist can help you deal with the emotional consequences of surgery and also the issues that led to your obesity in the first place. If you don’t have a therapist, maybe it’s time to make that connection. Find a good therapy group. And above all, follow your doctor’s advice! Learn as much as you can about what will be happening to your body and mind, but trust the experts. Plan for an Extended Recovery Your time in the hospital may be only three to four days, but it will take longer for you to feel “recovered.” The period (about nine months) when you are relearning how to eat and coming to terms with the smaller size of your stomach is crucial to your long-term success. There will be lots of ups and downs. Be ready for a long road to full recovery. Having support from friends and family is important, but this is the time to get involved with a support group. Being with others going through the same experience can give you the perspective you need to keep going. Even if your physical recovery is swift and relatively painless, you will have to learn how to deal with the changes in your life. If, as with many, food has been the way you deal with past trauma, uncomfortable feelings, your need for independence, or any other of life’s problems, you no longer can depend on that comfort. If food has been your addiction, you now have to kick the addictive response to it. There will be setbacks. You need to be prepared to bounce back from them. Lose Weight Before Surgery Your bariatric surgeon is likely to require you follow a weight-loss plan for a number of months (six is common) before surgery. The reasons: to make sure you really are committed to your goal of losing the excess weight, and to help you be as healthy as possible going into surgery. This can be a frustrating time. You’ve tried so many diets and exercise programs before, and none have worked. You hate thinking about your weight, and your program requires you weigh yourself daily and keep records of your weight, food intake, and exercise. You’ve made a major decision and are anxious to get it over with. But again, following your doctor’s advice is the shortest and best way to reach your goal, no matter how frustrating it feels. Confront Your Fears To make this transformative decision, you’ve already had to overcome lots of fears. Some of your fears involve others’ opinions. “What will people think?” Some arise from self-doubt. “Am I being selfish?” These are not frivolous concerns. Believe in yourself and face them. Your decision to take care of your health so that you can be there for your loved ones is a good one. Trust in yourself. Another very real fear is the fear that anyone feels when they are about to undergo major surgery. You could die. This is not a frivolous thing. It’s serious. But the vast majority of people who have surgery don’t die from it. So, face your fear realistically. At last, the big day is here. Your surgery is performed. You wake up in the hospital. Are you a different person? Is it all over now? Not yet. The journey of recovery has begun, and it will take resilience. Immediately After Surgery In the Hospital If you have built your support team, you will have fewer worries going in. Your family and home responsibilities are covered, and you have people to support you in the hospital and after you return home. But that doesn’t mean there won’t be challenges. During the initial stages of recovery, hospital staff will be checking your blood pressure, oxygen levels, and more. You may feel as though you are always being poked and prodded at, with little privacy. Thankfully, this stage doesn’t last forever, Your doctors will advise you about the physical challenges that may follow bariatric surgery: constipation, dumping syndrome (nausea, vomiting, and weakness caused by eating high sugar meals, sodas, and fruit juices), possible infection of the wound, and possible leaks in the new connections. But medical advice may not give you the information you need about the emotional side effects. One consequence of the surgery I noticed immediately: I no longer felt like eating. My hunger hormones were gone for a period of time. I had to force myself to eat, and I felt weak. Others report that they felt hungry during the post-op period while on a liquid diet. Hungry or not, a liquid diet can be a source of emotional stress. Be aware that different people react in different ways. The important thing is to keep following your medical and nutritional advice and trust that, in time, you’ll be feeling more normal. Another potential problem is “food grief.” Food has a special meaning for people who suffer from morbid obesity, and “mourning for lost foods is a natural step in the re-birth process after weight loss surgery.” For a long time, maybe all our lives, food was our friend. We turned to it in celebration, in sadness, for comfort, for reward. Now, we can no longer turn to food. We have to find other ways to fill the void food once filled for us. Along with the pain associated with surgery comes the challenge of managing it. The pain medication you are given in the hospital may not work for you. Keep advocating for yourself until you find one that does. It may also take time to know exactly how much medication you need. Trust your doctor, but don’t be afraid to ask for a higher dose if you are in pain, or a lower dose if you are experiencing other unpleasant side effects. It’s worth reiterating here, I am not a nutritionist or medical practitioner. And, I am certainly not advocating for you to ignore your doctor’s advice. Rather, by telling your doctor how you feel when you’re on pain medication, he or she may be able to transition you to a more effective medicine or dosage in a safe, supervised way. Other challenges: meeting the medical requirements for discharge from the hospital and meeting your own fears and expectations. Will you be ready to be sent home? How will you manage after you get there? Your First Few Days at Home Your first major challenge will be dealing with pain and managing your pain medication. If you’re like me, you will want to get off medication as soon as possible. But follow your doctor’s advice. Pain meds usually require tapering off. Quitting “cold turkey” is likely to cause withdrawal symptoms, such as feelings of anxiety or depression, trouble sleeping, headaches, night sweats, nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. I made the mistake of not tapering off my pain meds and lived to regret it. You — and members of your family — might be appalled at how little you eat. You might worry about not getting enough of the right nutrition — protein, for example. The combination of pain, medication, and lack of hunger hormones can mean almost total loss of appetite. Feeling responsible for things at home may make you push yourself too hard, especially if loved ones need you. Preplanning for getting help during this early recovery period is important. You will need to have both physical and emotional support in place. Recognize that even though they care, some people won’t be able to help. But don’t be afraid to ask. Take baby steps. Your recovery has many facets: overcoming pain and regaining your physical strength are just the beginning. Emotional adjustment to the new circumstances of this life-changing step is major and ongoing. Therapist Lynne Routsong-Wiechers, herself a successful bariatric surgery patient, lists “Seven Steps to Improving Emotional Adjustments Post-Surgery” in her article, “Baby Steps — Emotional Adjustments to Weight-Loss Surgery.” Follow your doctor’s orders. Ask questions when you have them and express concerns, but trust your doctor’s recommendations and prioritize your physical health. Keep a journal. You can use this to keep track of the foods you eat, as well as whether or not you are emotionally eating, but you might also choose to express what you’re thinking and feeling. This will be a private record, just for you. Remember, you are more than your diet and weight. Write down realistic goals and expectations. Celebrate when you meet them! Reflect on the past. Remember why you decided to make this change, and honor how far you’ve come. Take plenty of photos and keep your old clothes. This will help you physically see your immense transformation. Call on that support team you’ve created. Look forward to living life to the fullest! Ongoing Recovery Physical Issues Even after you’ve conquered the first few days after surgery, the challenges go on. This early recovery stage can last from one to six weeks. The specifics vary with the particular procedure, but here’s a general outline of your physical recovery: Develop strategies to deal with these attacks: exercise, journaling, and deep breathing are a few suggestions. Seek help if your attacks are severe. Focus on One Part of Your Body You might find yourself focusing on one body part. For me, it was my double chin. I had lost inches from my waistline and was making good progress, but when I looked in the mirror and saw that same double chin, I felt like I was making no progress at all. This kind of body image distortion, if it becomes obsessive, can lead to Body Dysmorphic Disorder (BDD), a mental health disorder. People with BDD can spend hours a day obsessing about their appearance. These obsessions and the low self-esteem that results can make them avoid social situations, have problems at work or school, or even lead to suicidal thoughts or suicide attempts. It’s important to seek help and support if you feel yourself becoming fixated. Remember that no body is perfect, and people are much more like to think about their own “flaws” than notice yours. Practice positive self-talk and try to replace thoughts about your body with something else, such as a new hobby or activity. Now that you’ve lost weight, a whole new world is open to you! Health Problems It’s not uncommon for patients to regain some weight after surgery, although it’s a myth that many patients regain all their lost weight. Regaining Weight Regaining even a small amount of weight can feed your fear. What if you stretch the pouch and end up gaining weight back or stalling your weight-loss? What if you have to go back to the hospital for something and you gain weight because of the treatment? About half of all bariatric surgery patients regain weight after two years. But the average regain is about 8% after reaching the lowest point, and total ten-year excess weight loss is still over 50%. The main reasons for regaining weight are: how much excess weight you carried before surgery, alcohol or drug abuse, lack of a support system, or having a psychological problem or food “addiction.” Realize that even if you regain some weight, you are still healthier than you were before surgery. Take steps to avoid the main reasons for weight gain. Be aware of the dangers of a substitute addiction to alcohol or drugs. Get yourself a support system and use it. Get treatment if you suspect you are overeating because of food addiction. Plateauing Don’t lose hope if you stop losing weight for a few days. These things happen. You can overcome the weight loss plateau. Your metabolism may have slowed because you couldn’t exercise after surgery. You can start losing weight again. Focus on getting the right amount and intensity of exercise. Track your heart rate. You should be exercising at 60 to 85% of your maximum heart rate (220 minus your age). Vary your exercise routine to keep yourself challenged. Be sure to drink enough water, and continue eating right. Complications I worried that something would get stuck in the very small connection between my stomach pouch and small intestine. Would I have to go to the emergency room? Could something else happen to me? As with all surgeries, there can be complications with bariatric surgery. But this surgery is very safe (99.8% survival rate). And less than 10% of patients have a complication. Though the list of complications is fairly long, most are not life-threatening (e.g., indigestion, diarrhea or constipation, nausea and vomiting, dumping syndrome). Some can be prevented by self-care. Stick to your bariatric diet, follow your doctor’s instructions, inform yourself about what to look for, and share your worries with your doctor. Sutures I had difficulty with sutures coming out before they were supposed to. Others have had infections at the wound site. Monitor the site of your surgery and consult your doctor if things aren’t going right. Hypoglycemia Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) happens when after eating, a rise in blood sugar makes your body produce more insulin, which then lowers blood sugar. Unless it’s extreme, this can be managed by changes in your diet. Nutritional Deficiencies Common vitamin and mineral deficiencies among bariatric surgery patients are Vitamin B12, Folate and Zinc, iron, copper, Calcium, and Vitamin D. Potassium deficiency can also be a problem, causing nausea, cramping, and dry skin. Supplements may help. Consult your doctor and dietician. Dehydration The recommended daily intake of water — 64 ounces — may be hard to get down, particularly right after surgery. Eight cups sounds like a lot, but if you break it down to one-fourth cup every 15 minutes for eight of the twelve or so hours you are awake, it is manageable. There’s an app for reminding you when to drink at GetHYApp.com. Clothing Especially in the early weeks and months after surgery, when you are dropping weight fast, you may find you can’t find anything to wear. This may sound like a minor problem, but you might be caught off guard by how much you spend on new clothes as you lose weight rapidly. While you are changing sizes every week or two, you may want to find some ways to save money: Borrow clothes or shop at thrift stores. Shop your closet. Now’s the time to wear those too small items you just couldn’t part with when you were heavier. Don’t buy too much. Get exactly what you need until the next size change. Buy just a few practical basics and splurge on accessories. Don’t buy for the future. Clothes that fit and flatter now are better for your confidence. Alter. If you can’t alter your own clothes, find someone who can and get items altered as you lose weight. Most things can be taken in. Exchange Clothing. If you’re in a support group, consider swapping clothes with other group members. Relationships Social Life Your new body may allow you to make new decisions: to start dating or to go to the beach. But because your body image may not have caught up with the reality of your new body, you may still have the self-doubts you had before. Part of your mind still thinks the way you did before surgery. You may feel unattractive, even invisible. Inside, you still feel fat. Negative self-talk may still be your go-to response to interacting socially with other people. Counseling, a support group, and self-affirmations can help. Most importantly, give yourself credit for all you have accomplished. You’ve come a long way. Different Reactions Sad, but true. Not all of your friends and family will react positively to the new you. Old friends, even family members, may envy or resent your new look. Family, friends, and even strangers may have a range of reactions to the changes in you. Your children may support you, but carry a lot of anxiety, fearing that you may die. Some may become diet police, worried that you’ll regain the weight and ill health of your days of obesity. Some will trust you to know your own needs. Know that others’ reactions don’t mean anything about you. You are taking care of yourself, and that’s a good thing. Getting More Attention Now that you have lost weight, you are probably getting more attention. This may make you uncomfortable. Obesity goes with isolation. In fact, some people use their weight to keep from being in the spotlight. Being noticed may be flattering, but it can also be stressful. Jealousy If you’re married or in a relationship your significant other may be jealous of all the attention you’re getting from other people. Your spouse might fear that the new you might leave the relationship and so may try to sabotage your efforts to maintain your weight loss. Your overweight friends might be jealous in a different way. If monthly dinners out with your “foodie” friends were the main thing that kept you together, or if these friends are not sympathetic to your weight loss efforts, they may, consciously or unconsciously, sabotage you. Remember to surround yourself with people who support you. Don’t judge others who may be struggling, but don’t sacrifice your progress to please them. Guarding Against Judgment The different way strangers and acquaintances perceive you now may make you feel flattered, but also confused and even resentful. You may wonder — do these people like you for yourself, or are they just attracted to your new appearance? Would they have liked you before? People you don’t see every day may not recognize you. Others may make you feel that you’re being judged for your decision to have the surgery. You may be re-introducing yourself to one person and defending yourself to another. It’s understandable that you may be struggling with your sense of self. But, remember, you are worthy of kindness at any weight. Be your own best support. Honoring Your Accomplishment You can’t control the beliefs and behavior of other people, but you can be true to your goals and to yourself. Keep honoring your decision, your hard work, your determination, and your truly astonishing accomplishments. Whatever others say or imply, you are a brave and magnificent person, and you deserve a magnificent life. Embrace Your Future Bariatric surgery is a last-resort choice for losing weight that is killing you. Deciding to go ahead with it and working through all the barriers and difficulties is not for the faint of heart. But for those who choose to go forward, it can be life-saving in many ways. By arming yourself with information about what to expect, you can feel prepared to navigate the weight loss surgery process with greater confidence and ease. Keep coming back to this guide and check in with yourself at every step along the way. Before, immediately after, and long after surgery, remember these key points: Create a support system Take care of your body Believe in yourself No matter where you are in your surgery journey, you deserve the new life you have given yourself. Enjoy. Links https://asmbs.org/resources/estimate-of-bariatric-surgery-numbers https://obesitynewstoday.com/gastric-bypass-success-rate/ https://www.caroladkisson.com/books/ https://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/feeling-hungry-less-than-a-week-after-gastric-bypass-surgery-is-this-normal.html http://www.boxingscene.com/weight-loss/54558.php https://www.consumerreports.org/health/avoid-withdrawal-symptoms-from-prescription-painkillers/ http://www.obesityaction.org/educational-resources/resource-articles-2/weight-loss-surgery/baby-steps-emotional-adjustments-after-weight-loss-surgery https://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/bariatric-surgery-recovery.html#Support_Main https://www.mayoclinic.org/tests-procedures/bariatric-surgery/basics/what-you-can-expect/prc-20019138 https://www.bariatricpal.com/topic/239270-joint-aches-and-pains/ http://www.mybariatriclife.org/chronic-fatigue-after-bariatric-surgery/ http://www.livestrong.com/article/456678-feeling-cold-all-the-time-after-a-gastric-bypass/ https://www.leaf.tv/articles/how-to-avoid-skin-problems-after-gastric-bypass/ https://www.webmd.com/diet/obesity/features/you-lost-weight-what-about-extra-skin#2 https://www.drdkim.net/ask-the-dietitian/understanding-hair-loss-after-bariatric-surgery/ http://www.yourbariatricsurgeryguide.com/psych-impact/ http://www.bmiut.com/mood-changes-bariatric-surgery/ https://www.njbariatriccenter.com/eating-out-after-weight-loss-surgery/ https://www.bariatriceating.com/2013/11/what-medications-are-off-limits-after-my-bariatric-surgery/ https://www.everydayhealth.com/weight/the-emotional-health-risks-of-bariatric-surgery.aspx http://www.yourbariatricsurgeryguide.com/psych-impact/ https://www.tijuanabariatrics.com/blog/2017/04/18/is-a-ketogenic-diet-safe-181655 https://www.ucsfhealth.org/education/dietary_guidelines_after_gastric_bypass/ https://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/weight-gain-after-gastric-bypass.html#Diet-and-Life-After-Main http://www.yourbariatricsurgeryguide.com/psych-impact/ https://weightwise.com/avoid-body-image-distortion-weight-loss-surgery/ http://bariatrictimes.com/depression-after-bariatric-surgery-triggers-identification-treatment-and-prevention/ http://blog.riversidesurgicalweightloss.com/blog/manage-anxiety-after-surgery https://adaa.org/understanding-anxiety/related-illnesses/other-related-conditions/body-dysmorphic-disorder-bdd https://asmbs.org/patients/bariatric-surgery-misconceptions https://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/weight-gain-after-gastric-bypass.html https://mybariatricsolutions.com/overcoming-and-preventing-the-weight-loss-plateau/ https://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/complications-of-gastric-bypass-surgery.html#General_Safety-Main http://gethyapp.com/ https://weightwise.com/how-to-shop-for-clothes-after-weight-loss-surgery/ https://www.bariatric-surgery-source.com/marriage-family-strangers-after-weight-loss-surgery.html

I think it really varies from person to person. After my sleeve, at month 8, I hadn't lost but a small amount. But in June, I had major surgery and now, 6 months later, my hair is falling out like crazy. I had the major hair loss like this 2 years ago as well, after two major surgeries. I was so worried about it. I had a nurse that came to my house every other day and she told me that the large amount of hair loss is expected for some people and that after any major surgery almost all people will have some hair loss. I don't think you need to be worried as to whether or not it's normal.

Hi - I had my surgery mid August so I guess I'm a relative newbie and I'm sure that more experienced people will be able to give sound advice. All I can say is that I too read loads of horror stories but I can honestly say I have had very few problems since my surgery. Sure, the first few weeks of pureed food were tough and I did suffer from constipation for a while. Other than that I have been pain free from the day of the operation. Now, 11 weeks after I feel pretty much normal. I haven't lost tons of weight but I have lost inches and feel so much better. I can walk for hours without knee and hip pain and can play with my grand kids without pain. I go out for dinner with family and friends and enjoy the experience just as much as before. In fact its great because I don't worry too much about what I order - just the amount. I also drink wine with meals without problem and one glass of wine is enough. I fact now I'm a pretty cheap date! . I haven't had any noticeable hair loss, I'm not pre-occupied with protein and the only real difference is that I am satisfied with much less food. Other than that life is back to normal with the benefit that I can already fit into smaller size clothes. There have been weeks when I haven't lost weight (probably because of the cheats!) which is disappointing but I know this is a long game and I can't live my life by the rules. I know that the fat will go, maybe it will take longer than other more disciplined people. I have never regretted the decision to go for WLS, just wish I had done it years earlier. I hope that my experience helps you decide what to do. Good luck, whatever you decide.xx

I'd anticipated hair loss following having the VSG in August of 2015, and was delighted to experience a very minimal amount during the first 18 months, and then startled when shedding began well into the maintenance phase. I believe my hair loss is primarily due to changes in medication rather than an effect of having the VSG due to the timeline, but since many who've had WLS have endured this, I am hopeful of getting coping ideas here. I've since modified the dosage of the medication (more on that below) which has helped to subside the loss, but it will take a while before my hair returns to normal. I've tried various shampoos, conditioners, and masks that are supposed to help with regrowth and stopping loss, with little success, but would be open to suggestions for new ones to try. I just bought a Jon Renau "topper" (it's like a mini-wig that clips into the top of your head to help disguise hair loss) but haven't yet gotten the hang of wearing it. I feel like it's obviously fake, and that makes me self-conscious. I'm also worried about damage that could be caused by the clips. I'm looking into a topper that only uses one clip and a headband by a company called ThinHairThick, but it's pricier, and I haven't found much customer feedback about it yet. For those curious about the medicine - In November of 2016 I was prescribed Metformin by my endocrinologist to attempt to balance out hormonal issues that were an impediment to conceiving. By that point my BMI had been in the "normal" range for more than six months, and I'd exceeded both my surgeon's goal and the one I'd set for myself. I was already a size four, and had been for a while, so the bulk of the weight loss was prior to this point. My doctor said I might lose some weight on it, but that was not the reason it was prescribed. I did, in fact, lose some weight initially, but it was a modest amount, and continued use of the medication didn't lead to any more weight loss. The hair loss was insidious; I hadn't realized it was happening until my bathroom sink kept getting clogged up, and my hair stylist made a comment that it was suddenly much thinner. In having read about the medication, many other younger women with PCOS have had hair loss while taking it, but men and post-menopausal women have not, so I'm thinking it impacts our bodies differently. It apparently used to be listed as a side effect, but isn't currently since the majority who take it do not have hair loss. I'd love any tips or advice from other ladies who've dealt with hair loss. To add: I've had blood work done routinely, and have no deficiencies that would explain the hair loss. I unfortunately cannot take Biotin, even though it's been a help to many other women with hair loss, because it causes massive acne breakouts. My dermatologist told me to avoid it.